"A highly accessible work of immense value on all facets of informal learning opportunities. The focus on specific content areas is an excellent tool for teachers, and the inclusion of a section related to English Language Learners is especially welcome and unique."
--Robert Rueda, Professor of Education
University of Southern California

"This great resource demonstrates how to gain more meaning from field trips and includes a wealth of tips, suggestions, and rubrics to make it easy to assess student learning. This book shows that just as much--or more--learning can be achieved when not in a classroom setting."
--Mark Johnson, Principal and Curriculum and Assessment Facilitator
Glenwood Elementary School, Kearney, NE

Turn every field trip into a high-quality learning experience!

What youngster isn't excited at the prospect of taking a field trip? Enthusiastic students present teachers with the ideal scenario for creating meaningful out-of-the-classroom encounters and giving students the building blocks to help them become active participants in their own educational process.

This resource helps educators take full advantage of off-site educational opportunities by developing lessons that connect informal learning with content standards. Based on constructivist philosophy and inquiry-based learning, the book provides numerous sample lesson plans and technology tips, and includes:

• Learner-centered activities for language arts, math, science, social studies, and fine art
• Ways to support English Language Learners and special education students
• Guidelines for developing corresponding classroom activities
• Strategies for building partnerships with informal learning sites
• Methods for bringing museum-type activities into the classroom when a trip is not possible

Informal Learning and Field Trips helps enrich students' lives as they explore the world outside the school grounds and gives teachers a prime opportunity to revitalize the learning experience.